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28th February 2018
12:04pm GMT
The Beast from the East has turned Ireland's roads into slippy white paths and traffic delays are rampant already.
While people are advised to take it slow and easy on the roads, many drivers are concerned about their car insurance policy if they drive in the current red weather warning.
While any damage caused by weather should be covered in your comprehensive car insurance, failing to take necessary precautions could make your policy void, such as...
“Not clearing the snow off the roof of your car could invalidate your policy, as it could be a potential hazard if it falls off,” GoCompare.com spokesman Martyn John told the Irish Mirror.
Letting the engine run and get warm while you run inside to grab your coat is a nice idea, but if it gets stolen chances are it won't be covered under your insurance as didn't take precautions to prevent it from being stolen.
Leading insurance expert Jonathan Hehir, MD of www.insuremyhouse.ie and www.coverinaclick.ie is advising insurance policy holders of steps to take to ensure their safety as a snow storm hits the country.
Driving
- Ensure your car isn’t parked under/ near anything that could potentially come loose and cause damage during the storm – e.g. trees/ garden furniture etc.
- Avoid any unnecessary journeys
- Plan your route – if you must drive avoid areas with cross winds/ overarching trees etc.
- Use the correct lights for visibility – be cognisant of other motorists on the road
- Give vehicles more space than usual
- Slow down – extra surface water, high gusts, objects coming loose – there are a myriad of factors that mean that you show driving slower & with extra care & caution in stormy conditions
- Check your tyres – if they are not roadworthy you should not drive.
- Pull in – if the weather takes a turn while you are on the road find a safe location and pull in & wait for it to pass.
